As the old saying goes, you can never have too much of a good thing. That's why we've created this quick reference chart detailing distinguishing characteristics for each of the precious metals. See something we forgot? Add your thoughts in the comments below!

METALCOLORFINISHCHARACTERISTICSHYPO-ALLERGENIC
Platinum White with cool undertones Resistant to wear;
shows scratches; slowly dulls to a patina finish		 Maintains surface embellishments
such as engraving and milgrain;
pure metal		 Yes
18K Yellow Gold Rich Yellow Shows scratches; polishes as worn 75% gold content; international
standard for jewelry; combines
purity with performance		 No
14K Yellow Gold Yellow Shows scratches; polishes as worn 58.5% gold content; traditional karat of choice in US No
10K
Yellow Gold 		Pale Yellow Shows scratches, polishes as worn                     41% gold content; lower gold content makes the jewelry harder and more affordable No
White Gold White with a yellow undertone Shows scratches; polishes as worn                              Rigid; more brittle than platinum; wears over time No
Continuum™
Sterling Silver		 Bright White Shows scratches; polishes as worn More tarnish resistant than traditional sterling silver; hard enough to set stones securely Yes
Sterling Silver Silvery-white with a slight pink undertone Shows scratches; polishes as worn; tarnishes Malleable; less suitable for everyday jewelry because it wears away more quickly No
Palladium Bright White Shows scratches; extreme tarnish resistant Easier to work with for fabrication and casting operations Yes

BONUS CONTENT: Looking for a way to tell your white metals apart easily? Watch the Stuller Hack below to find out how!